Tide still rollin’ on recruiting trail

Three times in the past four years, Alabama has come out of signing day with the top-ranked recruiting class according to Rivals.com. Coming off their second national title in three seasons, the Tide is poised to land the top recruiting class in the land yet again.

As of Tuesday afternoon, two of the three major recruiting services — Rivals and 247Sports; Scout had them at No. 2 behind Texas — have Alabama ranked as the No. 1 class in the nation. The Tide has verbal commitments from three five-star recruits — tied with Florida State for the most in this class — as well as 12 four-star recruits.

In fact, perhaps the only drama when it comes to the “team competition” is whether the Tide came climb past the Longhorns in the Scout rankings and make it a consensus No. 1 class.

LSU reportedly hires WR coach

LSU has found a wide receivers coach to replace Billy Gonzales, who left earlier this month to become the offensive coordinator for Illinois under new coach, Tim Beckman.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Oakland Raiders tight ends coach Adam Henry will take over the spot left open by Gonzales with an official announcement coming from the school later this week. Getting even assistant coaching spots filled in time for National Signing Day, which is Wednesday, is important.

Henry has coached previously at his alma mater, McNeese State, as an offensive coordinator.

Georgia's recruiting gets focused for 2012

The Bulldogs do pursue the big names, and if there’s any consensus on this class it’s that it’s good on big names. Georgia has garnered promises from the top players in Florida (offensive lineman John Theus) and North Carolina (running back Keith Marshall) but has, as of this writing, only 16 commitments. Which could, suggested Chad Simmons of Scout, be the reason for the disparity in the Bulldogs’ ranking.

Both Scout and Rivals.com have Georgia 21st nationally. ESPN tabs the Bulldogs fifth. “I’m not exactly sure how ESPN goes about it,” said Simmons, “but one thing that could put Georgia down is that they have only 16 commitments. Miami has 32, Alabama has 27, South Carolina has 25. It’s strictly a numbers game on the top end.”

According to Tom Luginbill, the former Tech quarterback who is ESPN’s national recruiting director, numbers are the least of it. “The difference between us and everybody else is that we don’t look at it as a mathematical equation,” Luginbill said. “We dissect the current rosters of the teams — where they’re devoid of talent, what they need to do to address needs and have they done it? … Our way doesn’t allow us to fall back on a numerical head count.”

In ESPN’s considered opinion, Georgia has filled needs nicely. Luginbill mentioned defensive tackles John Atkins of Thomson and Jonathan Taylor of Millen as fits “in the zero technique [meaning nose tackle]” for Todd Grantham’s 3-4 defense. And the addition of Marshall and Todd Gurley should offer depth at tailback, a position at which Georgia ran thin in 2011.

Landon Collins’ mom levels more accusations against Saban

April Justin, the mother of five-star recruit Landon Collins, has very publicly displayed her displeasure over her son picking Alabama over home-state LSU as well as accusing Nick Saban of “stereotyping” her during an in-home visit last summer. In an interview with a website called MomsTeam.com, Justin expounded on her distaste for the Tide as Collins’ choice, saying that “[Alabama] want[s] to redshirt – or greyshirt – him and they want him playing nickleback instead of safety. He is the top safety in the country and he will never play a game his freshman year.” At the choice of school for her son, LSU, “coach Les Miles is offering to play him as safety during his freshman year.”

“Nick Saban’s goals don’t meet the criteria of the family; they meet the criteria of Alabama,” Justin added.

Then there’s the “girlfriend” issue. Prior to Collins’ televised announcement earlier this month, there was reportedly a confrontation between Justin and the player’s girlfriend, Victoria Lowery, over the latter appearing on the stage for the announcement. In the interview conducted last week with the MomsTeam website, Justin claimed that Lowery, who is headed to Alabama as a student, had “allegedly been offered a job to work in head coach Nick Saban’s office.”

The intimation is, of course, that Saban and/or the Tide football program had committed an NCAA violation in order to land Collins as a member of its 2012 recruiting class.

Highly sought WR recruit gets big welcome at Missouri basketball game

There are certainly more than a few fans at Texas, Arkansas and Missouri who would be interested to know the intent of star wide receiver from Hillcrest HS (MO), Dorial Green-Beckham. Those three schools are considered to be the finalist for the No. 1 recruit in the country according to both Scout.com and Rivals.com, although DGB, as he’s affectionately known, has yet to tip his hand as to which school leads in his recruitment.

With signing day around the corner, next Wednesday, to be specific, DGB made one final visit, this time to home-state team Missouri at a basketball game against Texas Tech. The receiver was met with an adoring crowd, cheers and “M-I-Z-D-G-B” chants during the game.

Gator's Howard, Rainey compete in the 2012 Senior Bowl

Two Florida standouts, running back Chris Rainey and defensive tackle Jaye Howard, participated in the 2012 Senior Bowl on Saturday afternoon in Mobile, Ala. Rainey had just one rush for five yards in the game, but also contributed three kick returns for 60 yards and one punt return for 17 yards. Rainey drew praise from his South team coaches throughout the week for his playmaking ability, playing running back, wide receiver and return man. Howard saw time on the defensive line in the game, but defensive stats were not made available. Rainey and Howard were the 15th and 16th players in UF history to participate in the Senior Bowl. Their selections marked the third consecutive year Florida had been represented in Mobile. In 2009, Riley Cooper and Tim Tebow took part in the Senior Bowl and in 2010 Ahmad Black, Marcus Gilbert, Chas Henry and Mike Pouncey played in the annual contest.

Jaye Howard was the second defensive player and first defensive lineman to compete in the Senior Bowl for the Gators. Chris Rainey was the third running back to compete in the all-star game for UF.

Tennessee confirms hiring of new special teams/tight ends coach Charlie Coiner

Charlie Coiner will fill the same position as the one left by Eric Russell, as the innovative coaching veteran will direct Tennessee's tight ends and special teams, UT announced Friday in its official confirmation of the hire.

"Charlie has a diverse background in professional and college coaching, and he has had consistent success at both levels," Dooley said in a university release. "Charlie has also worked with several of our coaches, which will help make the transition and working dynamic seamless."

Coiner, 51, last coached in 2010 at North Carolina, where he filled in as a defensive line coach. He spent 2011 in Austin, Texas, where he started the software company 1stDown Technologies, which recently released an application for the iPad and iPhone that features 2,600 interactive plays used by football teams at all levels.

From 2001 to 2009, Coiner worked as a tight ends and special teams coach for the Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills. His NCAA career has featured stops at Minnesota, Austin Peay, Vanderbilt, Texas Southern, Louisville, Chattanooga and LSU.

Former NFL player says ex-UGA coach duped him

Jim Donnan convinced Bell to invest the money in GLC Limited, a liquidation company that would buy appliances and furniture for resale, according to documents filed last month in U.S. Bankruptcy Court by Bell’s lawyers. Bell’s attorneys say Donnan, though, was the front man for a scam. Donnan has filed for bankruptcy protection and Bell has filed a claim in bankruptcy court to recover his money. Bell’s attorneys Michael Hanson and Brian Gwitt on Friday declined to comment on the case. Donnan’s lawyer Ed Tolley did not return a phone call and an email seeking comment but had said previously that the ex-coach was not involved in a scheme. Donnan has been entangled in a legal battle with the new operators of GLC, who have also accused the College Football Hall of Fame inductee of running an investment scheme for his own profit. Federal prosecutors have not charged Donnan. It wasn’t immediately clear whether federal authorities are investigating, and an FBI spokesman declined comment. GLC is being restructured in an Ohio bankruptcy court after filing for protection in February. The new operators were seeking to recoup what they said were improper gains Donnan received after convincing fellow college coaches and others to invest $70 million in an alleged Ponzi scheme. Donnan, who coached at UGA from 1996 to 2000 and is an ex-ESPN analyst, filed for bankruptcy protection in July amid GLC’s financial woes.

Gamecock's safeties coach, Jeep Hunter has been fired by Spurrier

South Carolina confirmed in a press release that Jeep Hunter will not return as the Gamecocks safeties coach in 2012.

The statement reads that head coach Steve Spurrier ”indicated that he felt the team needed a more experienced secondary coach and has decided to go in that direction.” Which direction will be is not immediately known.

“We wish Coach Hunter and his family the very best,” said Coach Spurrier.

New Ole Miss QB gets hit with underage possession of alcohol

Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace has only been on campus for a few weeks and he’s already found himself in some legal trouble. The early enrollee was cited last week for underage possession of alcohol at a local restaurant/bar, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports. Wallace, who originally signed with Arkansas State under Hugh Freeze in 2010, was issued a post-arrest citation. In a statement, Freeze said he was aware of the situation and “would handle it internally.” Wallace set national records for passing yards (4,604) and touchdowns (53) this past season at East Mississippi Community College and also had some interest from Texas.

Wallace is expected to compete right away for the starting QB job.

Recruiting trail leads Mark Richt to jail

Head coach Mark Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo paid a visit to Harvey-Clemons Wednesday night, taking in a Baptist church service with the linebacker/wide receiver’s family. During the course of that service, Harvey-Clemons’ grandfather and legal guardian Woodrow Clemons, owner of a bail bondsman’s company, received a call that three individuals needed his services in order to get out of jail post-haste.

Harvey-Clemons and Clemons’ daughter, the player’s aunt, are also bail bondsmen and left church to go spring the individuals. Richt initially decided to stay but, after Harvey-Clemons’ aunt forgot her ID in a vehicle at the church, Harvey-Clemons’ uncle Roy Hart told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Coach Richt and Coach Bobo went to jail with my wife to take the ID to them. Coach Richt wanted one more time to talk with Josh before they hit the road. They talked at jail for about 20 or 30 minutes I guess.”

Ever the recruiter, Richt returned to the church following his trip to jail and, as he was saying the obligatory goodbyes, attempted to gauge where his program stood in its pursuit of Harvey-Clemons.

“Coach Richt said ‘Tell me Roy, how do we look with Josh?’” Hart said. “I said ‘Coach, you’re in the running. Nobody really knows except for Josh. He’s not saying much. He hasn’t made up his mind so nobody knows except for him.’ Then Coach Richt asked if Georgia was still looking good and if they still had an opportunity to get him. I assured him that they did.”

Auburn president approves move to replace trees at Toomer’s Corner if needed

Earlier this week, Auburn president Jay Gogue approved the recommendation from the Committee to Determine the Future of Rolling Toomer’s Corner (yes, that exists) that if the trees don’t survive, a temporary set-up will be created where fans can roll another object while new trees are planted. The recommendation came from a fan poll taken last year. The new trees would already be fairly large in size. If new trees are planted, it may be 3-5 years before they can “handle the stress” of being rolled. What would be rolled while the new trees are being planted is yet to be determined. But, dead or alive, the current trees at Toomer’s Corner could be rolled through 2012; after that, it’s less certain. Auburn’s Department of Horticulture has expressed doubts that the oak trees will last much longer than a year. A better assessment of the health of the trees will be taken in the spring.

The man accused of poisoning the oak trees, Harvey Updyke, is set to go to trial on March 5.

Vols Harry Hiestand officially announced as Notre Dame offensive line coach

Notre Dame has hired Harry Hiestand to coach its offensive line and coordinate the running game. Hiestand spent the last two seasons at Tennessee, and he replaces Ed Warinner, who departed to join new Ohio State coach Urban Meyer's staff after the season. Coach Brian Kelly announced the move Wednesday.

"Harry is one of the best offensive line coaches in college football, and we are fortunate to have him on our staff," Kelly said in a school release. "When I was searching to fill this position, I asked some of the most respected offensive line coaches in football whom they would recommend and Harry's name was routinely mentioned as one of the best. His history of developing NFL-caliber offensive linemen speaks for itself, and I know our linemen will learn a lot from him."

Hiestand spent the past two years at Tennessee after working with the offensive line for the Chicago Bears from 2005-09. He also coached the offensive line at Illinois (1997-2004) and at Missouri from (1994-96). He is a former offensive coordinator at Cincinnati.

"I've been on the one side in the college game when I've prepared players to reach their dream of making it to the NFL. I know what it takes to help guys get to that point and what the players are looking for from me in their coaching," Hiestand said in a school release. "I have also been on the other side in the NFL and had conversations with college scouts and the general managers about what they are looking for in college players. Having been on both sides of the fence will make me a better college coach at Notre Dame."

Florida DT Orr settles marijuana possession case

Gator's defensive tackle Leon Orr has settled two misdemeanor drug charges.

Orr accepted a deferred prosecution deal. He must pay $50 in court costs and either an additional $150 fine or 12 1/2 hours of community service.

Orr was cited Jan. 10 after a University Police Department officer searched his dorm room and found marijuana, a marijuana pipe and rolling papers on his desk and bedside table, according to a police report. Orr admitted to owning the drug, pipe and papers. He was charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors.

Orr’s arrest was the ninth involving a Florida player since coach Will Muschamp was hired a year ago and sixth involving marijuana. All six cases ended with deferred prosecution.

WR Carr back at Miss. St.

Michael Carr has rejoined the Mississippi State football program, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports.

The wide receiver left the Bulldogs Nov. 4 for what was described as a “personal leave”. A team spokesman told Brandon Marcello of the Clarion-Ledger, however, that Carr is back working out with his teammates as of Monday.

The return came after a meeting with head coach Dan Mullen late last week, the paper reports.

The absence forced the junior-to-be to miss the final five games of the 2011 season.
by J. Taylor

New Auburn OC: ‘it’s our job to score football points’

Today, a press conference was set up for the now-former Temple OC. But it was during that presser that Auburn coach Gene Chizik said the process of finding Loeffler — he said the list of candidates was short and Loeffler was interviewed last “by design” — took as long as it did because of how thorough the search was.

“One thing I was going to make sure is I did my due diligence to bring in the best man for Auburn,” Chizik said. “We think we got that done.”

Loeffler spent just one season as Temple’s offensive coordinator. The Owls finished in the Top 10 nationally in rushing offense, but struggled mightily in the passing game this season. In 2009-10, Loeffler was Tim Tebow‘s quarterback coach at Florida.

“It was very important to me to bring in somebody I knew had a reputation for developing quarterbacks,” Chizik said.

We’ll let you decide whether Loeffler did a good enough job with Tebow.

As for Loeffler’s philosophy with the Tigers, suffice to say the replacement for Gus Malzahn had an interesting perspective.

“It’s our job as an offense to protect that defense. And at the end of the day, it’s our job to score football points.”

Mississippi State takes down billboards

Chad Thomas, MSU’s assistant athletics director for marketing, said reaction from MSU fans has mostly been positive, though he would not comment on feedback he may or may not be receiving from Ole Miss fans, who appear to be irritated by the latest campaign.

“I know one thing for sure and that is that Mississippi State fans are excited and proud to be a part of what is happening here right now,” Thomas said in an email to The Clarion-Ledger.

State began a massive billboard campaign with MSU football coach Dan Mullen welcoming visitors to “Our State” at this time last year. The slogan caught fire with MSU and Ole Miss fans online, and the Bulldogs used the motto in several radio, television and print advertisements. Then-Rebels coach Houston Nutt even felt compelled to answer questions about the aggressive marketing campaign at SEC Media Days in the summer.

“I do notice some people on message boards and comment threads on blogs having different opinions about the boards, but mostly all positive from Mississippi State fans,” he said. “As for fans of another school in our state, I have not had any direct contact so I do not know their thoughts either positive or negative.”

Thomas said MSU has no plans to add additional billboards in Oxford after Feb. 1. MSU and Ole Miss are actively recruiting Lafayette High School quarterback Jeremy Liggins.

The billboards were originally supposed to be taken down conveniently on Feb. 1, just as signing day rolled around, but earlier this week, reports surfaced that MSU had already begun the process of taking down the billboards.

The Oxford Eagle reported earlier this week that the reason for the move was NCAA-related. The rule in question was reportedly bylaw 13.4.3, which says recruiting advertisements cannot be “designed to solicit the enrollment of a prospective student-athlete.”

Auburn hires Temple’s OC to replace Malzahn

The Birmingham News reports that Temple offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler has been hired by coach Gene Chizik to run the offense for the Tigers. Loeffler has spent the past season as the offensive coordinator for the Owls after departing Florida as the team’s QB coach with former Gators OC Steve Addazio.

“I am very happy for Scot and his family,”Addazio said in a statement. “This is a great opportunity for him and his career. We are very grateful for his contributions to Temple, and we certainly understand that when our great coaches have opportunities, it’s a compliment to our program. We wish Scot nothing but the best. He will always have a special place here at Temple.”

“Scot is a rising star who has worked with some very good quarterbacks, and has achieved a tremendous amount of success,” Chizik said in his own statement. “He is a tireless worker, is an outstanding recruiter and knows the rigors of competing in this conference. We’re very excited to have Scot join our staff and we welcome him to the Auburn family.”

Temple ranked seventh nationally this past season in rushing yards behind running back Bernard Pierce and 40th in points per game (30.6).

Gamecocks DB lands an indefinite suspension

In a press release, South Carolina announced that freshman safety Brison Williams has been suspended indefinitely from the football team. The reason given in a statement by head coach Steve Spurrier was “conduct detrimental to the South Carolina football team.”

Suffice to say, no specifics of what detrimental conduct Williams engaged in were released by the school.

In 2011, Williams played eight games for the Gamecocks.

Domestic incident nets charges for starting UGA corner

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, cornerback Sanders Commings was arrested by university police overnight and charged with domestic violence and simple battery. Commings was in a relationship, and perhaps living with, the alleged female victim.

Witnesses claimed that Commings had struck the unidentified victim, although details are scant at this point in time.

“The only thing I can tell you is he was arrested for domestic violence/simple battery,” UGA police chief Jimmy Williamson told the Journal-Constitution. “Officers were patrolling the downtown area and were flagged down by people on the side of the road. These were third-party people involved in the incident. Talking with them there was some kind of interaction between [Commings] and a woman and they intervened. At some point in time he struck her. Based on the witness statements and interviews with the involved parties, that’s why he was arrested. We have several witnesses.”

The paper notes that, because it’s a domestic violence charge, Commings may remain jailed through the weekend as he has to appear in front of a judge before being released on bond.

In 2011, Commings started all 14 games for the Bulldogs and has played in all but one game the past three seasons. The corner was one of several draft-eligible Bulldogs who announced last weekend that they were returning to UGA for another season.

“Every man in this room came to Georgia with dreams and goals of winning championships,” Commings said last Saturday. “That is the reason that I decided to stay here at Georgia. With the leadership in this room we realized that the opportunity of achieving those dreams are great and I am excited to be able to be a part of it.”

The school has yet to comment on the incident.

RB Miles uncertain final season will be with Gamecocks

Kenny Miles‘ high school coach confirmed to the Charleston Post & Courier that the redshirt junior is considering a transfer from the Gamecocks. While Mark Crew said “a week or so ago, he wasn’t really sure what he was going to do”, the presence of a healthy Lattimore will factor heavily into a decision that appears at the moment to be leaning toward a move.

“I think he’s appreciative of what South Carolina’s offered him, but I think maybe he might be entertaining the idea of going someplace else, if the opportunity presented itself,” Crews told the paper. “But I don’t know if he’s made a 100-percent decision one way or the other. I know he’s in a difficult situation because he’s a real good player and he’s playing behind a guy that’s a better player.

“What else can you say? I think that anybody in his situation might be at least interested in seeing what some of his other options are.”

If Miles wants to do something other than stand on the sidelines for his final season, a move to another program would make the most sense. Prior to being injured in the seventh game of this year, Lattimore accounted for 395 of USC’s 562 non-quarterback carries (70.3 percent) since his freshman season in 2010.

Pre- and post-Lattimore injury offered a hint of what may await Miles in 2012. Prior to the injury, Miles had just a single carry, with that coming in the season opener. Following the Oct. 15 injury, Miles totaled 53 carries.

Harvey Updyke rejects plea offer to steer clear of Bama sporting events

According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Updyke, who is accused of poisoning the trees at Toomer’s Corner, was offered a plea from prosecutors earlier this month that would sentence him to 13 years in prison and banish him from Crimson Tide sporting events for the rest of his life.

Naturally, Updyke turned down the plea offer.

Updyke was seen at the BCS championship game in New Orleans earlier this month.

Updyke’s trial is set for March 5. Earlier this week, Updyke’s lawyer, Everett Wess, requested a change of venue and delay of trial, both of which are under review. Wess also asked Lee County Circuit Court judge Jacob Walker to be removed from the case; that request has been denied.

Updyke is charged with two felony counts of first-degree criminal mischief, two felony counts for unlawful damage, vandalism or theft of property from a farm animal or crop facility and two misdemeanor counts of desecrating a venerated object. He could face up to 10 years in prison for each felony charge and up to one year for each misdemeanor.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

by Ben K.

Arkansas safety transferring from Hogs

Darrell Smith has decided to transfer from the Razorbacks.

According to Matt Jones of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the safety has received a release from his UA scholarship and will transfer to Jacksonville State. As the Gamecocks play at the Div. 1-AA level, Smith will be eligible to play immediately in 2012 instead of sitting out a transfer season.

The true sophomore will have two years of eligibility remaining.

In his two seasons with the Razorbacks, Smith played in 16 games, eight in each of those years.

Middle Tennessee State D-line coach heads to Vols

According to Austin Ward of the Knoxville News Sentinel, as well as other Vols beat coverage, Middle Tennessee State defensive line coach John Palermo has left the Blue Raiders after one season to take the same position with Tennessee.

Ward went on to tweet that Palermo will have a two-year deal. The school confirmed the hire later on Friday.

“John is one of the most respected defensive line coaches in the nation,” Dooley said in a release. “He has a history of coaching and developing multiple All-Americans, all-conference players, first-round draft picks, and Pro Bowl players. Adding a coach with John’s abilities and successful track record will have a positive impact on our defensive line and our program.”

Gator DT popped on pair of pot charges

According to UF’s student newspaper, the Independent Florida Gator, defensive tackle Leon Orr was arrested the night of Jan. 10 on a pair of marijuana-related charges. Orr was charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

From the University Police Department’s report, here’s what led to the arrest:

The arrest report describes a scene on the night of Jan. 10 in which UPD officer Bradley Roberts searched Orr’s dorm room in building eight of Keys Complex about a half hour before midnight. During the search, which Orr consented to, Roberts found a “baggy of a green leafy substance, a glass pipe and rolling papers” on Orr’s desk and bedside table.

The substance was tested and confirmed to be marijuana. After being read his rights, Orr admitted to ownership of the marijuana, pipe and papers, according to the report.

There was no information in the report indicating why police were alerted to Orr’s dorm room.

As a redshirt freshman in 2011, Orr played in all 13 games and was credited with one tackle for loss and one sack.

Gators DE winds up at Norfolk State

A spokesperson for 1-AA program Norfolk State confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel that Trail had enrolled at the school, and because of NCAA transfer rules, will be able to play immediately.

Trail was a redshirt freshman this season but did not crack the two-deep of the depth chart and did not see any playing time.

“I have decided that I would like to pursue opportunities elsewhere,” Trail said in a statement upon his decision to leave. “I want to thank the fans and Gator Nation for their support. I’ll always be a Gator at heart.”

Trail was a four-star DE out of Miami, FL, according to Rivals.com when he signed with the Gators in 2010.

Colorado State’s starting QB granted release, could Vandy be in his future?

Beginning with his true freshman season in 2010, Pete Thomas had started 21 straight games at Colorado State before a knee injury ended his 2011 season in the ninth game of the year.

As it turns out, his CSU career has officially ended just as abruptly.

The Rams announced in a release that Thomas has withdrawn from the university and been granted a release from his scholarship. Thomas’ decision to transfer comes five weeks or so after Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain was named the Rams’ new head coach.

“We appreciate all that Pete gave to Colorado State University during his two years with us, and we wish him the best,” said a statement attributed to athletic director Jack Graham.

The word on the street is that Thomas could be headed to Vanderbilt and play for James Franklin after sitting out the 2012 season.

Tide officially tabs Nussmeier as new coordinator

Alabama announced that Nussmeier has been hired as Nick Saban‘s new offensive coordinator. In his statement, Saban noted specific examples of Nussmeier’s ability to develop quarterbacks while with the Huskies as one of the reasons behind the hire.

“We are excited to have Doug as our new offensive coordinator at Alabama,” said Saban in a statement. “Not only does he have a good deal of experience as a coach and a player both at the college and NFL level, but he also brings a great passion for the game and a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

“At Washington, they were very productive on offense, especially with their quarterbacks. Jake Locker finished his career as one of the top passers in Washington history and was Tennessee’s first round pick. Keith Price stepped in as a first-year starter last season with very little experience, and not only set school records, but also ranked seventh nationally in pass efficiency.

“I think Doug will be a great fit with us and we are looking forward to the Nussmeier family joining our staff at the University of Alabama.”

Ex-‘Bama star Kirkpatrick arrested on drug charge

Former Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who is leaving school early to enter the NFL draft, was arrested early Tuesday on a marijuana possession charge.

An arrest report on the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office web site said Kirkpatrick was arrested at 12:48 a.m. and charged with possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana. He was released on $120 bond.

Kirkpatrick is regarded as a potential top 10 NFL draft pick. The second-team All-American announced last week he was skipping his senior season with the national champions to enter the draft.

It isn’t clear what Kirkpatrick was doing in Bradenton, but the town is home to IMG Performance Institute, which helps athletes train for the NFL combine.

A message left with IMG wasn’t immediately returned.

A police report said Kirkpatrick was a passenger in a truck driven by another former Alabama player, Christopher Airreun Rogers, 25, of Baltimore, Md., who police stopped for driving on the wrong side of the road. A dog detected the presence of drugs, the report said, and an officer found marijuana on the floorboard of the passenger side at Kirkpatrick’s feet.

Rogers told police he purchased the marijuana at a house and was charged with a drug offense

Michael Dyer officially transfers to Arkansas State

Rumored for a couple of weeks to be headed for a reunion with his former offensive coordinator, Michael Dyer‘s move from Auburn is now official.

Arkansas State, coached by ex-Tigers OC Gus Malzahn and the subject of most of the Dyer transfer speculation prior to his AU release, announced in a press release Tuesday evening that Dyer has transferred to the school and signed a scholarship to play for the Red Wolves.

“We are excited to have one of the top running backs in college football join our program, and we welcome him to our Arkansas State family,” said Malzahn. “Michael is obviously a proven player, and he will certainly make a great addition to our team.”

As for when the 2010 title game offensive MVP will suit up for his old coordinator, that still remains up in the air. When the initials reports surfaced that Dyer would be seeking a transfer, it was rumored that he would seek a waiver in order to be eligible to play immediately in 2012. The basis for that appeal is unclear, as is his availability for the 2012 season.

“That has not been determined yet,” ASU sports information director Jerry Scott told CFT in a follow-up email regarding Dyer’s status for the upcoming season. “I am unsure exactly when we will know his status for the 2012 season due to transferring rules.”

Nussmeier expected to land Tide’s coordinator job

According to Tom Dienhart of the Big Ten Network, Doug Nussmeier will become the Tide’s new coordinator. The hiring, if it comes to fruition, comes a few days after Nussmeier interviewed for the position.

An official announcement from the school is not expected today.

Nussmeier had spent the past three season in the same capacity at Washington, although head coach Steve Sarkisian was in charge of calling plays on game day. At Alabama, Nussmeier will call the offensive shots, which likely was the deciding factor in his decision to move across the country.

As part of Sarkisian’s first coaching staff, Nussmeier has been one of the factors behind the complete transformation/reclamation of the Huskies’ offense. The year prior to the arrival of Nussmeier as part of Sarkisian‘s first coaching staff at UW, the Huskies finished the 2008 season 117th in scoring offense (13.3 ppg) and 116th in total offense (263.2 ypg); in 2011, UW finished 25th (33.4 ppg) and 38th (409.6 ypg) in those categories, respectively.

Prior to his time at UW, Nussmeier spent a year as Fresno State’s coordinator and three years as Michigan State’s quarterbacks coach, with two years as an assistant with the St. Louis Rams in between.

He will replace Jim McElwain, who agreed to become the head coach at Colorado State late last year.

Auburn QB Trotter not returning for senior season

Auburn quarterback Barrett Trotter isn’t coming back for his senior season.

The seven-game starter announced his decision Monday, but isn’t planning to transfer. Trotter lost his starting job late in the season but relieved an injured Clint Moseley in the Chick-fil-A Bowl with perhaps his best performance.

He wound up passing for 175 yards and rushing for 32 in the win over Virginia.

Trotter passed for 1,184 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior and was intercepted six times. He didn’t log any significant playing time before last season.

He graduated last August with a degree in communications and is still enrolled in graduate school.

Trotter says, “My four years at Auburn has been a great experience and I’m thankful for the opportunities that I’ve had.”

by Rivals

Vols assistant headed back home to Alabama

Following the 2008 season, Lance Thompson left his coaching job at Alabama for one at Tennessee. Thompson’s spot with the Tide was filled by Sal Sunseri.

Following the 2011 season, Sunseri left Alabama for the defensive coordinator job with the Vols. His replacement back at ‘Bama? Thompson, of course.

According to multiple media outlets, Thompson has left Derek Dooley‘s coaching staff and is now once again an assistant under Nick Saban at Alabama. Thompson was the Vols’ defensive line coach, while Sunseri carried the title of assistant head coach/linebackers.

Neither school has confirmed the departure/hiring.

Draft-eligible Bulldogs to stay for another SEC East run

Tight end Orson Charles announced on Wednesday that he would be leaving Georgia early for the NFL.

At a press conference Friday, Mark Richt and several draft-eligible underclassmen – safety Bacarri Rambo, cornerbacks Branden Smith and Sanders Commings, running back Carlton Thomas and linebacker Cornelius Washington among them — announced that the players will be returning for another season in Athens. Suffice to say, Richt was very pleased with the development.

“Today is great day for Georgia,” Richt said. “We have a lot of good news today. Quite a few guys submitted papers for the draft to see if it was time to make the decision to fulfill their dream of playing in the NFL. These men decided to stay at Georgia. This group of players has tremendous leadership and talent and has played some tremendous football in the Southeastern Conference. I am thrilled that they have made this decision.”

This means 10 of the 11 defensive starters listed on UGA’s pre-SEC championship game depth chart will return, as will second-team All-SEC quarterback Aaron Murray and leading rusher Isaiah Crowell.

Russell Shepard to return to LSU

On Wednesday, LSU wide receiver Russell Shepard posted a tweet to his Twitter account that heavily intimated he was either headed for the NFL or transferring away from the Tigers:

“Thanks for your support Tiger Nation…but I have to do what’s best for my family and myself…Geaux Tigers.”

In an update posted to the same Twitter account, Shepard stated that, after meeting with head coach Les Miles, he will be staying in Baton Rouge for his final year of college ball.

“I would like to tell everyone that I had a great talk with my family and Coach Miles and I will be attending LSU for my senior season,” the tweet read.

Despite the lack of production this season, Shepard’s return is actually good news for the Tigers, if for nothing more than fellow receiver Rueben Randle is reportedly leaving for the NFL. Thursday, the school also confirmed that cornerback Morris Claiborne and defensive tackle Michael Brockers will make themselves available for the draft.

Traffic cop impression helps land Gamecocks DT pair of charges

According to FITSNews.com, South Carolina defensive tackle Byron Jerideau was arrested early Friday morning and hit with a charge of disorderly conduct. The Charleston Post & Courier subsequently reported that Jerideau is also facing an additional charge of traffic/pedestrian on a controlled access highway.

The incident that led to the arrest took place in the Five Points bar district in downtown Columbia. Here are some the details of the arrest, courtesy of WLTX-TV in Columbia:

An incident report says that an officer saw Jerideau and a group of people leave Grandma’s Bar in the 700 block of Harden Street in Columbia’s Five Points. The document goes on to say that Jerideau used profanity “in a loud manner” at oncoming traffic while attempting to cross midblock at Harden Street.

The report notes that crosswalks were available at nearby intersections, but they were not used. The officer reported that Jerideau used his hands instructing oncoming traffic to stop. When the officers approached Jerideau, the report states the player “in a loud boisterous manner” said “what, f—ing jaywalking?”

The officer said he smelled alcohol, and attempted to put Jerideau in custody. When he did, the report states Jerideau said “I’m not going to f—ing jail” in a “loud manner.” Jerideau was then arrested and taken to the Richland County Detention Center.

The Post & Courier notes, Jerideau is automatically suspended by the team. The school is aware of the situation, and will likely handle any type of punishment internally.

In 2011, the redshirt junior played in all 13 games for the Gamecocks.

Tyler Wilson to remain at Arkansas for another year

In a statement released through the school, Wilson announced that he has decided to forego an opportunity to enter the April draft and will instead return to the Razorbacks for one more season. Wilson had received a high grade from the NFL’s draft advisory committee, which he admitted made the decision to return more of a struggle than some would’ve thought.

“I have decided to stay at Arkansas for the 2012 season because I am extremely excited for what this team has the opportunity to accomplish and to finish earning my degree,” Wilson said in a statement. “After the feedback I received, the decision was difficult to make.

“Ultimately, the chance to complete my academics and play one more season as a Razorback were compelling reasons for me to remain in Fayetteville. This past year was great for us with 11 wins and a top-five finish and we want to build on that. The group of players we have returning has high expectations and wants to work hard to compete for championships.

“Although my goal is to play in the NFL, I believe I can benefit greatly from another year of working with Coach Bobby Petrino and Coach Paul Petrino. I am excited to be able to spend one more season at a university where the leadership shows a tremendous amount of support and the passion of the fans is the best in the country.”

Georgia’s All-American safety set to return to Athens

Georgia confirmed that junior free safety Bacarri Rambo has decided to return to Athens for his senior season. Rambo’s high school coach also told Seth Emerson of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer that Rambo would be returning.

Rambo finished the 2011 season with a SEC-leading eight interceptions and had 55 tackles. The AP First Team All-American started all 13 games for the Bulldogs.

Tino Thomas back on campus with six other new Vols

The defensive back from Memphis Melrose High School is officially back on campus again at Tennessee, and this time there promises to be some practices in store for him.

The freshman was initially all set to begin his career with the Vols last fall until a torn labrum suffered while lifting weights changed those plans, forcing him to grayshirt, delaying his arrival and ultimately making him a part of a different signing class. But Thomas is at UT now, and he was joined by six other members of that 2012 signing group on Wednesday as the early enrollees began their first semester with the program.

"I'm just so excited to get back," Thomas told the News Sentinel last month. "I'm just excited to get back with my teammates and everything."

Thomas and the Vols already on the roster met a few of those new teammates as they reported for school and the start of preparations for the third season under coach Derek Dooley.

UT also welcomed athlete Cody Blanc of Central, running back Alden Hill of Alliance, Ohio, quarterback Nathan Peterman of Fruit Cove, Fla., tight end Justin Meredith of Anderson, S.C., junior college transfer Darrington Sentimore of Gulf Coast (Miss.) Community College and defensive lineman Trent Taylor of Lakeland, Fla., to the mix as classes resumed.

Illinois lands new OC from one of LSU’s assistants

LSU announced today that LSU wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator Billy Gonzales will head to the Illini to lead the offense. Shea Dixon of TigersSportsDigest and Tigerbait.com also reported the move earlier today.

It’ll be the first time in Gonzales’ collegiate coaching career that he will take on a coordinator title.

Gonzales has been at LSU for two seasons and previously coached at Kent State, Bowling Green, Utah and Florida, serving under Urban Meyer for the latter three.

“This is a great promotion for Billy,” coach Les Miles said in a statement. “Billy will do a great job as an offensive coordinator. This is a tremendous opportunity for him and his family. We wish Billy, his wife Julie and their two children nothing but the best.”

Arkansas RB Davis to return next season

The Razorbacks’ running back announced Tuesday that he will return to school next season, deciding against entering the NFL draft after missing every game last year as he recovered from a fractured left ankle.

The junior led all Southeastern Conference running backs with 1,322 yards rushing as a sophomore last season, but he went down Aug. 11 when a defensive lineman fell on his ankle during a scrimmage. It was the third time he had broken an ankle, dating to high school, though the other two were the right one.

The fifth-ranked Razorbacks finished the season 11-2 and won the Cotton Bowl without Davis. The 11 wins tied a school record, and the top-five finish was the school’s first since 1977. Its only two losses were to No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 LSU, and the chance at returning and competing for SEC and national titles were too much for Davis to pass up.

“I have made the decision to return to the University of Arkansas for the 2012 season as I am determined to help this program accomplish the goals we have set in place,” Davis said in a statement. “My injury was unfortunate, but I feel I have worked extremely hard for the opportunity to lead the Razorbacks on the field.”

Les Miles taking heat after shutout title loss

Alabama’s defense, of course, was stellar and deserves every bit of credit for taking away all possible schemes LSU might have come up with and rattling Jordan Jefferson. The short story is that Bama’s D had an answer for everything and stopped plays before they developed. LSU was noticeably flat last night too. Even the Tigers’ sideline wasn’t into the game. There were no risks, no fake punts, no trick plays, nothing. It was very uncharacteristic of a Miles-coached team.

The often-unpredictable Miles was unbelievably run-of-the-mill last night and those who did tune in noticed. Former LSU receiver Terrence Toliver took to his Twitter account to express his frustration over what he was seeing.

“Don’t deserve a share of the championship with this piss poor performance #coaches”

“Why are we running the ball wit 9 min left in the game?”

“I feel bad for [Jarrett] Lee.”

To be fair, Miles isn’t a bad coach, but Saban clearly out-coached him last night.

Miles had to answer to that, as he should, after the game. Broadcaster and father of LSU O-lineman T-Bob Hebert, Bobby Hebert, began grilling Miles in his post game press conference as soon as the floor was open to questions. From the New York Times:

Hebert started, according to the transcript: ”Coach, did you ever consider bringing in Jarrett Lee, considering that you weren’t taking any chances on the field? Now, I know Alabama’s defense is dominant. But, come on, that’s ridiculous, five first downs. I mean, so it’s almost an approach, I’ll tell you from the fans’ standpoint, that how can you not maybe push the ball down the field and bring in Jarrett Lee?”

…

He continued with his “question,” later, again according to the transcript, adding, “I know the pass rush of Alabama, but there’s no reason why in five first downs … you have a great defense, L.S.U. is a great defense, but that’s ridiculous.”

At that point, the moderator interrupted, asking, “Do you have a question?”

Hebert responded: “That’s the question. Do you think you should have pushed the football more down field?”

Miles answered: “I think if you watch our calls that we did throw the football down the field. We didn’t necessarily get the football down the field.”

The questions surrounding Miles’ game plan won’t be swept away with the confetti littering the Superdome turf, either. This is a team that cruised through tough environments all season with relative ease; last night, LSU couldn’t even cross midfield until the game was already decided.

BCS championship game lowest rated title in BCS era

The rematch of the “Game of the Century” drew a 13.8 overnight rating on ESPN, the lowest rating for a BCS championship game since Miami-Nebraska pulled a 14.3 at the 2002 Rose Bowl.

Some apparently boycotted last night’s game by not watching it. Some just turned it off when it became clear that 1) Alabama was going to kick their way to a victory and/or 2) the game itself wasn’t exciting.

In all, BCS games saw a 10 percent drop in ratings from a year ago.

SEC Football Online sportbook preview LSU vs Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers will both be trying to pick up a win on January 9 when they battle at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in the BCS National Championship Game.Oddsmakers currently have the Crimson Tide listed as 2½-point favorites versus the Tigers, while the game's total is sitting at 41½.Alabama was a 42-14 winner in their most recent outing on the road against Auburn. They covered the 21.5-point spread as favorites, while the total score (56) made winners of OVER bettors.LSU was a 42-10 winner in its last match at home against Georgia. They covered the 12-point spread as favorites, while the total score of 52 sent OVER bettors to the payout window.

Auburn dips into the NFL for new defensive coordinator

At a press conference Monday afternoon, Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith announced that his defensive coordinator, Brian VanGorder, has accepted the same job at Auburn. The school subsequently confirmed the hiring.

“I’m very excited to have a coach like Brian VanGorder join our staff at Auburn. From the beginning of this process, I had one person in mind, and that was Brian,” head coach Gene Chizik said in a statement. “He has achieved success at every level, both professionally and collegiately, which is a testament to his ability as a coach. He has been one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL, has won a Broyles Award at the college level, and understands what it takes to succeed in the Southeastern Conference. We’re pleased to welcome Brian and his family to Auburn.”

VanGorder has spent the past four seasons with the Falcons, but the vast majority of his coaching experience has come at the collegiate level. From 2001-04, VanGorder was the coordinator at Georgia, leading a defense that was one of the best in not only the SEC but the country.

He’s also been the coordinator at UCF, Central Michigan and Western Illinois. In 2007, he was the head coach at Georgia Southern.

VanGorder will replace Ted Roof, who left last month to become the coordinator at UCF.

Georgia CB to transfer

Multiple media outlets have confirmed that cornerback Jordan Love has decided to take his leave of the Bulldogs and play his college football elsewhere. The reports and confirmations stem from a “missive” Love posted on his Twitter account Saturday night.

“It’s been real Athens … imma miss all my (friends) all my brothers … but all good things come to an end,” Love’s tweet read.

As a redshirt sophomore in 2011, Love played in eight games and started one of those contests. And, as noted by the Macon Telegraph, Love might not be the only defensive back UGA loses prematurely — safeties Bacarri Rambo and Shawn Williams are considering early entry into the April draft, as is cornerback Branden Smith.

Barry Sanders chooses Stanford over Bama, Oklahoma State

As expected, the biggest name of the day, Barry Sanders, chooses to go to Stanford.

Sanders, in the last commitment of the day, chose the Cardinal over Oklahoma State, Alabama and Florida State. The Heritage Hall (OK) running back has been one of the most touted recruits for the 2012 class.

by Ben

Ole Miss’ Massie makes move to the NFL

A social network has once again served as the microphone for an early-entry declaration as Ole Miss has, as expected, lost a member of its offensive line to the big-boy football league.

On his Facebook wall Friday evening, Rebels right tackle Bobby Massie announced that “[i]t’s official I submitted my paperwork to the NFL… 2012 season I will be playing on sunday’s …it was fun Ole Miss.”

After taking the prep school route his first year out of high school, Massie started the final 36 games of his Rebels career.

Arkansas beats Kansas State 29-16 in Cotton Bowl

Explosive returner Joe Adams had one last big highlight to help No. 7 Arkansas end a record-tying season in tall Cotton.

All-SEC quarterback Tyler Wilson was well short of the record passing performance he had earlier this season at Cowboys Stadium, but did throw two touchdown passes after Adams’ fourth punt return for a TD and the Razorbacks beat No. 11 Kansas State 29-16 in the Cotton Bowl on Friday night.

The Razorbacks (11-2) matched a school record with their 11th victory. Their only losses were to No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama, their SEC West rivals who will play for the BCS national championship Monday night

“Joe Adams has made big plays for us all year long,” Wilson said. “We were struggling offensively until he sparked us. Great players make big plays, and he definitely got his.”

Adams’ 51-yard return early in the second quarter gave the Razorbacks a 10-0 lead before they even gained a first down. It was the first punt return for a touchdown in the Cotton Bowl in 51 years.

“It was another one of those where you just go, Wow!” coach Bobby Petrino said. “You could see when he made the catch he had in mind what he was going to do. We got some good blocks. … Joe showed great acceleration, made another spectacular play for us.”

Adams matched the SEC single-season record with his four punt return TDs. The senior receiver, who had five catches for only 22 yards Friday, was the only FBS player this season with multiple punt returns for TDs, along with rushing and receiving scores.

Gators, Tide battling for Boise coordinator

Rumors came to light earlier Friday that Florida and Alabama were competing for the services of Boise State offensive coordinator Brent Pease. According to the Idaho Statesman, Pease has decided to leave the Broncos and is considering job offers from Florida and Alabama. The Statesman writes that Florida is considered the favorite to land Pease.

Pat Dooley of the Gainesville Sun subsequently tweeted that it “looks like Brent Pease is the new Florida OC“, although UF head coach Will Muschamp texted Dooley “nothing done” on the coordinator front shortly thereafter.

None of the schools involved in the Pease speculation have announced or confirmed any move, hiring.

If the reports are accurate, this would actually mark the second time Pease has left Boise in a little over a year.

Auburn reportedly grants Michael Dyer a release

According to AuburnUndercover.com and the Birmingham News, Dyer has been given a conditional release from his AU scholarship by the school. While the release is conditional, Arkansas State is reportedly one of the schools to which the Tigers will permit the running back to transfer.

Neither report explicitly stated Arkansas State is where Dyer is headed, although that certainly appears to be the direction this situation is headed. The other schools to which Dyer would be permitted to transfer were not named.

As ASU is a Div. 1-A (FBS) school, Dyer would be forced to sit a season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules unless he were granted a waiver. It’s believed Dyer will pursue that tack, although it’s unclear on what grounds the appeal to the NCAA would be based.

Dyer has rushed for more than 1,000 yards each of his two seasons with the Tigers, and was a first-team All-SEC performer this year, but has found himself ensconced in Gene Chizik‘s doghouse of late. The sophomore was suspended Dec. 11 for violating unspecified team rules and did not play in the Chick-fil-A Bowl win over Virginia.

Ex-Vols WR Arnett opts for Michigan State

A couple of days after gaining an unconditional release from his Tennessee scholarship, DeAnthony Arnett has landed in a familiar and expected new home. In a statement emailed to the media Wednesday night, Arnett announced that he will be transferring to Michigan State. The wide receiver is from nearby Saginaw, and had the Spartans in his final three choices earlier before opting for the Volunteers on Signing Day. Arnett’s father’s health has declined since he signed with the Vols, which prompted the player’s decision to seek an opportunity closer to home.

“After consideration by the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Notre Dame, I have decided that the best decision for my family and myself would be to attend Michigan State University,” the release stated. “I want to thank all the schools that showed support during this trying time. I look forward to continue my education and football career at Michigan State with Coach Mark Dantonio and the Spartans.”

Alshon Jeffrey confirms the expected jump to NFL

In a move that’s only surprising in the fact that it came so close to the declaration deadline, Alshon Jeffery has officially taken his leave of the South Carolina football program. The All-SEC wide receiver told ESPN.com‘s Joe Schad Thursday morning that he’s leaving a year of eligibility on the table in order to make himself available for the April draft. Jeffery is considered to be a lock to be taken at some point during the first round. USC subsequently confirmed Jeffery’s decision via a press release.

“I plan to forgo my senior season and enter the NFL Draft,” said Jeffery in a statement. “I would like to thank the fans, my teammates, Coach Spurrier and everyone involved for all the opportunities South Carolina has provided me. I am proud to say I will always be a Gamecock.”

Jeffery was a unanimous all-conference first-team selection following the 2010 season, but dropped to the second team as his production fell thanks to issues the Gamecocks had at the quarterback position. At 6-4, 229 pounds, however, Jeffery won’t have any problem attracting the attention of NFL scouts, regardless of what his 2011 production looks like on paper.

Student dead in crash that injured Auburn DB

The Opelika-Auburn News is reporting that senior defensive back Drew Cole and 20-year-old sophomore Elizabeth Lauren “Libbie” Ainsworth were involved in a one-car accident Sunday night. Cole was treated and released from a hospital the night of the crash, but Ainsworth succumbed to her injuries late Tuesday night.

Cole and Ainsworth were dating, and were returning from a hunting trip. A state trooper said the two were looking for directions to a sporting goods store when the vehicle Cole was driving left the road and flipped, ejecting Ainsworth from the car.

“Even if the GPS is on your dash, you have to take your eyes off the roadway and focus on a three inch screen, and that’s exactly what happened here,” Sergeant Gary McWaters told WLTZ-TV. ”They left the roadway, jerked the steering wheel, and before you know it, he only had a few seconds.”

Vandy boots a pair of players

Franklin confirmed Tuesday that sophomore center Logan Stewart and freshman running back Mitchell Hester have been dismissed from the football program for violating unspecified team rules. The issues that led to the twin dismissals, which were not specified by the head coach, occurred withing the past month.

“It’s like I’ve told you, I’m going to have a player’s back but they have to have my back, our team’s back and the university’s back,” Franklin told The Tennessean. “If it’s going to come to a point where I don’t feel like it’s that way, we’ll make a change.”

Stewart suffered a season-ending injury after starting six games this year. Hester was a two-star member of Vandy’s 2011 recruiting class who took a redshirt for his true freshman season.

Michigan St beats Georgia in 3OTs

Georgia’s Blair Walsh became the Southeastern Conference’s career scoring leader with a field goal in the second extra period. But he missed a 42-yarder in the first overtime after conservative play-calling and had a 47-yard attempt blocked on the final play of the game.

Nose tackle Anthony Rashad White got a hand on the potential tying kick, setting off a celebration among Spartans fans in the crowd of 49,429 at Raymond James Stadium.

The Spartans handed the Big Ten its lone win in three bowl matchups Monday against SEC opponents—Florida beat Ohio State and South Carolina stopped Nebraska.

“Big win against a great football team, against an SEC team, against a team that won their division and that was 10-2 in the regular season. … There’s not a football team that we cannot play with and not win against,” Dantonio said.

“We’ve beaten every football team in the Big Ten in the last four years. The standard has been set by our seniors. … Two 11-win seasons. There’s not too many football teams in the country that are saying that right now. I would think that this, hopefully, helps solidify a top-10 ranking in this year’s final polls.”

Georgia (10-4) finished on a two-game losing streak, including a lopsided loss to top-ranked LSU in the SEC championship game. The Bulldogs beat Michigan State in the 2009 Capital One Bowl, one of four bowl losses the Spartans had under Dantonio during their stretch of postseason futility.

“It’s rough,” Georgia receiver Tavarres King said. “Every time you lose a game you think about it until you play another one, and we don’t play another one for over 200 days. So it’s going to be on our minds and in the back of our heads.”

Florida beats Ohio St 24-17, avoids losing record

Andre Debose and Chris Rainey made game-changing plays on special teams in the Gator Bowl. Debose returned a kickoff 99 yards—the longest scoring play in bowl history—and Rainey blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown. Those were the difference in Florida’s 24-17 victory over Ohio State in Jacksonville on Monday. The speedsters helped the Gators (7-6) avoid their first losing season since 1979 and pick up some much-needed momentum after losing six of their previous eight games.

“We don’t want to be remembered as the team that lost, so it was a big game for us,” defensive tackle Jaye Howard said. “Not only for the seniors, but the program as a whole. It’s a building block for next year.”

Ohio State (6-7) dropped four straight to finish below .500 for the first time since 1988, and lost seven games for the first time since 1897.

The Buckeyes can take solace in knowing that Meyer, who officially takes over for interim coach Luke Fickell at Ohio State this week, will make it a priority to improve special teams. Meyer did that in his six seasons in Gainesville, and Rainey and Debose were two of his most prized recruits.

“When you have two good teams play each other, it’s usually special teams that will make the difference,” Ohio State defensive back Tyler Moeller said. “That’s what it was today.”

Ohio State fell to 0-10 in bowl games against teams from the Southeastern Conference. Yes, the Buckeyes beat Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl last year. But that victory was vacated as part of NCAA sanctions.

South Carolina beats Nebraska 30-13

“This is for all fans of South Carolina—always,” coach Steve Spurrier belted out during the postgame celebration.

Alshon Jeffery caught four passes for 148 yards and a touchdown before getting ejected for fighting, and the Gamecocks set a school-record for victories in a 30-13 victory against Nebraska at the Capital One Bowl on Monday.

The Gamecocks (11-2) also snapped a string of three straight bowl losses. Spurrier said they will have rings “with a big `ole 11 on them” made for the team to commemorate the milestone.

Connor Shaw, who took over at quarterback when senior Stephen Garcia was kicked off the team, came up big, passing for two scores and rushing for another in one of his best games. He finished 11 for 17 for 230 yards and ran for 42 yards.

“We didn’t play all that great at times, and Nebraska didn’t play all that great either,” Spurrier said. “But we made some good stops here and there… We won the fourth quarter today against them and our defense was sensational.

“The record speaks for itself as the best team ever.”

Jeffery was having a surprisingly productive day playing just weeks after surgery on his hand for an injury he sustained in the regular-season finale. He was called for a personal foul penalty and ejected with just over two minutes left in the third quarter along with Cornhuskers cornerback Alfonso Dennard when both were caught throwing punches at each other after a play.

“Getting ejected, that is something that happened in the moment,” Jeffery said.

He said winning 11 games became the mission for the Gamecocks all season.

“Coach Spurrier, in the beginning of season six and in camp he wrote the goal’s try to win 11 games and try do things we did the first time. So that’s what we tried to do.”

The Gamecocks kept the pressure on even without Jeffery and went up 23-13 with 12:25 to play on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Shaw to Kenny Miles. Miles then added a 3-yard touchdown run with just over three minutes left—his first of the season—to put the game out of reach.

Miss. St. DT will head on up to the NFL

Following Mississippi State’s 23-17 Music City Bowl win over Wake Forest, one of the Bulldogs’ defensive playmakers announced he would move on to the NFL.

In an interview with the New York Times, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox said he would depart from Starkville a year early and try his luck at the next level.

“God works in many ways,” Cox said. “He answered my prayer and I knew deep down in my heart it was time for me to go.”

NFL scouts project Cox as a late first round/early second round selection and ESPN’s Todd McShay has Cox as the second-best DT prospect behind Penn State’s Devon Still.

Cox was first team All-SEC this season with 14 ½ tackles for loss and 5 sacks.

“He’s a great kid and worked hard in his time here,” coach Dan Mullen to the NYT of Cox. “This will be a huge loss for us.”

Miss. St. receiver arrested following early-morning incident

Mississippi State wide receiver Chad Bumphis was arrested early Sunday morning in Tupelo and charged with public drunkenness and disorderly conduct, a Lee County Sheriff's spokesman confirmed. BulldawgJunction.com first reported the incident.

Sgt. Rodricus Hurst said Bumphis, a former Tupelo High School standout, was involved in a "big group fight" at the Atlanta Bar & Grill in downtown Tupelo, and several other people were arrested. Hurst said Bumphis got hit in the neck by a glass bottle and suffered a cut, but that he did not injure anybody.

Bumphis' mother, Dorothy Bumphis, told the Journal that Chad was on stage at the bar taking pictures with people, and the bar's owner asked some other people to clear the stage for Bumphis.

"He was standing there, and next thing he knew he had been hit in the mouth with a champagne bottle," Dorothy said. "Chad didn't hit anybody or anything. They took him outside, and then they took him to jail to calm him down. They said he was drunk; he was not drunk. Chad's not a drinker. I'm not going to tell you he didn't drink anything."

Bumphis, 22, was arrested at 1:31 a.m. by Tupelo police and booked at 2:25 at the Lee County Jail. He was released on his own recognizance and has a Jan. 12 hearing in Tupelo Municipal Court.

Read more: djournal.com - entry Bumphis Arrested in Tupelo Jan 12 Court Date

Vols reportedly lose a pair of defensive assistants to Washington

ESPN’s Chris Low is reporting, citing sources close to the situation, that two Tennessee defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox and linebackers coach Peter Sirmon will be leaving the V0ls for likely the same positions with the Washington Huskies.

Washington coach Steve Sarkisian did not retain defensive coordinator Nick Holt, linebackers coach Mike Cox and secondary/safeties coach Jeff Mills after the Huskies gave up a season-high 67 points in an Alamo Bowl loss to Baylor last week.

Wilcox, formerly the DC of Boise State, has spent the last two seasons under Derek Dooley; Sirmon just finished his first season as linebackers coach for the Vols after spending the last two seasons as a graduate assistant with Tennessee, and previously, Oregon.

The departures would be the third and fourth coaches to leave under Dooley this year. Wide receivers coach Charlie Baggett “retired” and special teams coordinator/tight ends coach Eric Russell left to work under Mike Leach at Washington State.

The Vols finished with their second consecutive losing season, but finished in the Top 30 nationally in total defense.

Starting O-lineman a no-go for Gators against Buckeyes

Offensive tackle Matt Patchan, who’s battled various injuries throughout his Gators career, aggravated a back injury during practice Thursday afternoon and, as a result, has already been ruled out of the bowl game against Ohio State.

“He had a lat injury” head coach Will Muschamp said Saturday. ”It’s on his back, a re-aggravation of something during the season. We had a physical bowl practice and preparation for what we’re trying to do to improve our football team and get ready for the game. It’s an unfortunate injury.”

Muschamp said some combination of Chaz Green, Xavier Nixon and Kyle Koehne will rotate at the position in place of Patchan.

The redshirt junior started the final seven games of the 2011 season after missing the entire 2010 season due to injury.

Cincinnati runs over Vanderbilt in Liberty Bowl

Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead took home top Big East honors this year when he was named the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year. He kept that momentum in his final game with the Bearcats with a 149-yard, 1 touchdown performance in a 31-24 win over Vanderbilt in the Liberty Bowl.

Pead has been one of the most productive, yet very underrated, backs this season.

In fact, the Bearcats (now 10-3) have quietly had a very good season. The only real bad loss was early in the season to Tennessee, which finished the season 5-7. Then again, the Vols were playing better football then and had quarterback Tyler Bray.

But beating a solid Vanderbilt team can make up for that. James Franklin‘s done a nice job in his first season with the Commodores and his team is no pushover.

Anytime you can beat an SEC school with at least a .500 record, it’s a good win.

Having quarterback Zach Collaros back and healthy without a doubt helped Cincy.

Auburn beats up on Virginia in Chick-fil-A Bowl

Despite missing their leading rusher and starting quarterback, Auburn easily handled Virginia in the Chick-fil-A Bowl by a final score of 43-24. Tigers quarterback Clint Moseley left in the first quarter with an ankle injury and Barrett Trotter, who had started earlier in the season, took over and threw for a touchdown.

In place of Dyer, running backs Onterio McCalebb and Tre Mason accounted for over 170 yards and two touchdowns; Kiehl Frazier added another 55 yards on the ground.

Auburn’s offense by committee was able to give offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn a win as he departs for Arkansas State.

Virginia, in their first year under Mike London, drops to 8-5.